TL;DR: The Citi Rewards+ Student Card stands out as one of the most beginner-friendly credit cards available, offering genuine value without the complexity that often overwhelms new cardholders. With its unique points rounding feature, achievable welcome bonus, and zero annual fee, this card can actually help college students build credit while earning meaningful rewards on everyday purchases like groceries and gas.

If you're exploring your options, our guide on how travel credit cards can save you money covers why rewards credit cards often provide better value than basic starter cards.

Here's what makes it special: every purchase gets rounded up to the nearest 10 points, so that $3 coffee becomes 10 points instead of 3. For students making small, frequent purchases, this feature alone can significantly boost earning potential without requiring major lifestyle changes.

Card Overview

The Citi Rewards+ Student Card launched in 2019 specifically to address the unique needs of college students entering the credit world. Unlike premium travel cards with complex transfer partners and hefty annual fees, this card focuses on simplicity and accessibility while still offering legitimate value.

Key Features at a Glance:

• Annual Fee: $0
• Welcome Bonus: 20,000 Citi ThankYou points after spending $1,500 in first 3 months
• Earning Structure: 2x points on supermarkets and gas stations (up to $6,000 annually), 1x points on everything else
• Unique Feature: Points automatically round up to nearest 10 on every purchase
• Credit Score Needed: Limited credit history accepted
• Transfer Partners: Access to Citi's 19 airline and hotel partners

The card's positioning is clear: provide college students with a genuine rewards credit card that helps build credit history without punishing them for their limited financial experience. For students interested in understanding how these transfer partnerships work, our complete guide to Capital One miles transfer times explains similar concepts that apply across different programs.

Why Students Should Consider This Card

The Credit History Challenge

Most college students face a frustrating catch-22 when applying for credit cards. Banks want to see established credit history, but building that history requires having a credit card in the first place. Traditional starter cards often offer no rewards and limited benefits, making them feel more like financial training wheels than useful financial tools.

The Citi Rewards+ Student Card breaks this pattern by offering:

• Immediate value through its rewards program
• Acceptance for limited credit histories (though approval isn't guaranteed)
• Real-world benefits that students actually use
• No annual fee to worry about during tight budget years

For students serious about building credit, tools like Credit Karma provide free credit monitoring to track your progress as you establish your credit history.

Perfect for Student Spending Patterns

College students typically make smaller, more frequent purchases rather than large transactions. The card's point rounding feature turns this spending pattern into an advantage. Consider these common student purchases:

• Coffee shop visit ($4.50): Normally 4 points, rounds to 10 points (122% more value)
• Grocery run ($28): Normally 56 points, rounds to 60 points (plus 2x bonus = 120 points total)
• Gas fill-up ($35): Normally 70 points, rounds to 80 points (plus 2x bonus = 160 points total)
• Textbook ($67): Normally 67 points, rounds to 70 points

Over a semester, these small bumps add up significantly. Students who track their spending often find the rounding feature provides an extra 15-25% boost to their total point earnings.

Welcome Bonus Analysis

The $1,500 Spending Requirement

The welcome bonus requires spending $1,500 within the first three months, which breaks down to $500 per month. For many college students, this feels more achievable than premium cards requiring $3,000-$5,000 in spending.

Realistic ways to meet the requirement:

• Textbooks and school supplies (often $200-400 per semester)
• Groceries and meal plan supplements ($150-250 per month)
• Gas for commuting or trips home ($80-120 per month)
• Entertainment and dining out ($100-150 per month)

The key is using the card for planned expenses rather than manufactured spending or unnecessary purchases that could strain a student budget.

Welcome Bonus Value

The 20,000 ThankYou points carry an approximate value of $200-300, depending on how they're redeemed:

• Cash back: $200 (1 cent per point)
• Statement credits: $200 (1 cent per point)
• Travel portal redemptions: $240-260 (1.2-1.3 cents per point)
• Transfer partner redemptions: $300-400 (1.5-2 cents per point with strategic use)

For students planning spring break trips or summer travel, the transfer partner option could fund a domestic round-trip flight or several nights of hotel stays. When you're ready to book, platforms like Expedia often provide competitive rates for students comparing cash prices with points redemptions.

Earning Structure Deep Dive

The 2x Categories That Matter

Supermarkets (up to $6,000 annually): Most college students don't spend $6,000 annually on groceries, making this cap less restrictive than it appears. Students living off-campus or cooking regularly might spend $100-200 monthly on groceries, staying well within the bonus earning threshold.

The supermarket category includes most major grocery chains but excludes convenience stores, warehouse clubs like Costco, and most Target/Walmart purchases (unless they code specifically as grocery).

Gas Stations (up to $6,000 annually): The $6,000 annual limit accommodates roughly $500 monthly in gas purchases. For students with cars, especially those commuting or driving home regularly, this provides meaningful bonus earning on a necessary expense.

This category includes most branded gas stations but may exclude some warehouse club gas stations or cash-only establishments.

The Power of Point Rounding

The automatic rounding to the nearest 10 points sets this card apart from any other rewards credit card. Here's how it works in practice:

Small purchases see the biggest boost:

• $1-9 purchases: 900-400% bonus (1-9 points become 10)
• $10-19 purchases: 100-47% bonus (10-19 points become 20)
• $20-29 purchases: 50-34% bonus (20-29 points become 30)

Strategic spending examples: Instead of one $50 grocery trip (100 points), making two $25 trips yields 120 points. The rounding feature rewards splitting larger purchases when convenient, though this shouldn't drive artificial spending decisions.

Building Towards Transfer Partners

While students might initially redeem points for cash back or statement credits, the ThankYou points earned with this card can eventually transfer to Citi's 19 airline and hotel partners. This creates a pathway for students to grow into more sophisticated travel reward strategies as their spending and travel patterns evolve.

Notable transfer partners include:

• JetBlue TrueBlue (popular for domestic travel)
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (good for international flights)
• Emirates Skywards (luxury international travel)
• Wyndham Rewards (budget-friendly hotel stays)

Students interested in understanding how different families approach credit card strategies should check out our guide to the best credit cards for families, which covers how to coordinate cards across family members effectively.

Real-World Value Scenarios

Scenario 1: Commuter Student

Monthly spending pattern:

• Gas: $120 (240 points rounded to 240, doubled to 480)
• Groceries: $150 (300 points rounded to 300, doubled to 600)
• Other purchases: $200 (averaging 220 points after rounding)
• Total monthly earning: ~1,300 points
• Annual earning: ~15,600 points (~$156-234 value)

Scenario 2: On-Campus Student

Monthly spending pattern:

• Occasional groceries: $50 (100 points rounded to 100, doubled to 200)
• Gas for trips home: $40 (80 points rounded to 80, doubled to 160)
• Dining and entertainment: $180 (averaging 200 points after rounding)
• Total monthly earning: ~560 points
• Annual earning: ~6,720 points (~$67-101 value)

Scenario 3: Off-Campus Student

Monthly spending pattern:

• Groceries: $250 (500 points rounded to 500, doubled to 1,000)
• Gas: $80 (160 points rounded to 160, doubled to 320)
• Utilities and other: $150 (averaging 160 points after rounding)
• Total monthly earning: ~1,480 points
• Annual earning: ~17,760 points (~$178-267 value)

These scenarios demonstrate how the card adapts to different student lifestyles while providing meaningful returns on everyday spending.

Comparing Student Credit Card Options

Vs. Traditional Starter Cards

Many banks offer "student" cards that function identically to their secured or basic cards, providing no rewards and minimal benefits. These cards serve the sole purpose of building credit history but offer no incentive for regular use beyond establishing payment patterns.

The Citi Rewards+ provides the same credit-building opportunity while offering immediate value through rewards earning, making each purchase contribute to future travel or cash back.

Vs. Premium Student Cards

Some banks offer student versions of their premium cards with reduced annual fees or modified earning structures. While these might offer higher earning rates in specific categories, they often come with:

• Annual fees (typically $95-150)
• More complex earning structures
• Higher spending requirements for bonuses
• Less forgiving approval criteria

For students prioritizing simplicity and guaranteed value, the Citi Rewards+ often provides better net value after accounting for annual fees and spending patterns.

Vs. Cash Back Cards

Several no-annual-fee cards offer 1.5% or 2% cash back on all purchases. While these provide predictable value, they lack the bonus earning potential of the 2x categories and the rounding feature that benefits small-purchase patterns common among students.

The flexibility to eventually use points for travel (at potentially higher values) also gives the Citi Rewards+ an advantage for students who might develop travel interests as they progress through college and beyond.

Application Strategy and Approval Odds

Credit Score Requirements

Citi doesn't publish specific credit score requirements, but successful applicants typically have:

• No credit history: Many students approved with no prior credit cards
• Limited credit history: 6+ months of responsible credit use (authorized user status, etc.)
• FICO scores 640+: Higher approval likelihood, though lower scores aren't automatically disqualified

Improving Approval Chances

Before applying:

• Consider becoming an authorized user on a parent's card for 3-6 months
• Establish a bank account relationship with Citi
• Ensure any existing credit accounts show on-time payments
• Wait until enrolled in college with valid student status

Application timing:

• Apply early in the semester when income from jobs or financial aid is clearest
• Avoid applying during finals or stressful periods when dealing with potential follow-up questions might be difficult
• Consider applying before major life changes (graduating, moving, changing schools)

Income Reporting for Students

Students can report various income sources:

• Part-time job wages
• Work-study program payments
• Regular financial support from family (if consistent)
• Scholarship or grant money (check card issuer policies)
• Summer job income (if planning to continue working)

Be honest but comprehensive when reporting income. Many students underestimate their total annual income when including all sources.

Maximizing Value Over Time

Year One Strategy

Focus on building good credit habits while earning rewards on natural spending:

• Set up automatic payments to avoid late fees
• Keep utilization below 30% (ideally under 10%)
• Use bonus categories for planned purchases
• Track point accumulation and redemption options

Years Two and Beyond

As spending patterns mature and travel interests develop:

• Learn transfer partners: Research which partners align with desired travel destinations
• Time redemptions strategically: Hold points for valuable transfer opportunities rather than immediate cash back
• Consider card ecosystem growth: Other Citi cards might become attractive as credit history strengthens

For students who develop a passion for finding great flight deals, services like Going.com (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights) can complement your points strategy by alerting you to cash deal opportunities that might be better than award bookings.

Post-Graduation Transition

The card remains valuable after graduation:

• No annual fee means no pressure to cancel
• Established credit history helps with apartment rentals, car loans, and job applications
• Points can fund post-graduation travel or interviews
• The account helps maintain credit history length, an important credit score factor

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overspending for Rewards

The biggest risk with any rewards card is spending money specifically to earn points. The Citi Rewards+ is particularly susceptible to this because:

• The rounding feature might encourage unnecessary small purchases
• The 2x categories might tempt grocery or gas overspending
• The achievable welcome bonus might prompt manufactured spending

Solution: Use the card for planned expenses only. The rewards should feel like a bonus, not a spending motivation.

Neglecting Credit Building

While earning rewards is exciting, the primary goal should be building excellent credit:

• Always pay on time (set up automatic payments)
• Keep balances low relative to credit limits
• Monitor credit reports for accuracy
• Avoid closing the account even if newer cards become more attractive

Misunderstanding Point Values

Not all redemptions offer equal value:

• Worst: Gift cards often provide poor value
• Okay: Cash back and statement credits offer baseline value
• Better: Travel portal bookings often provide slight bonuses
• Best: Strategic transfer partner redemptions can multiply point value

Understanding these differences helps maximize long-term value, though students shouldn't feel pressured to master complex redemption strategies immediately.

Integration with Financial Wellness

Budgeting Considerations

Credit cards should complement, not complicate, student budgeting:

• Track spending: Use card statements to understand spending patterns
• Set limits: Many students benefit from self-imposed spending limits below their credit limit
• Plan payments: Budget for full statement balance payment each month
• Monitor categories: Use bonus category spending to identify budget areas needing attention

Emergency Preparedness

While credit cards shouldn't serve as primary emergency funds, they can provide crucial backup:

• Keep utilization low to maintain available credit for true emergencies
• Understand that emergency use might require carrying a balance temporarily
• Have a plan for paying down emergency balances quickly
• Consider the card part of a broader financial safety net including savings

Building Healthy Credit Habits

The habits formed with a first credit card often persist throughout life:

• Payment timing: Set up automatic payments before the first statement
• Spending awareness: Review statements monthly, not just for errors but for spending patterns
• Credit monitoring: Take advantage of free credit score tracking
• Long-term perspective: View the card as a multi-year financial tool, not just a college accessory

The Federal Trade Commission offers additional guidance on building and maintaining good credit that complements responsible credit card use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Citi Rewards+ Student Card worth it if I only spend $200-300 per month?

Absolutely. Even with modest spending, the point rounding feature provides meaningful value. A student spending $250 monthly might earn 2,500-3,000 points annually worth $25-45 in cash back or $37-68 in travel value. The zero annual fee means any reward earning represents net positive value.

Can I upgrade this card to a different Citi card later?

Citi typically allows product changes to other cards in their lineup, though specific policies vary. Many students eventually upgrade to cards like the Citi Double Cash or Citi Premier as their credit profiles strengthen and spending increases. Upgrading preserves the account history length, which benefits your credit score.

How do transfer partners work, and should I care about them as a student?

Transfer partners allow you to move Citi ThankYou points to airline and hotel loyalty programs, often at better redemption values than cash back. As a student, you don't need to master this immediately, but understanding the option exists helps with long-term planning. Start with cash back redemptions and explore transfers as you become more comfortable with points and miles.

What happens to my card when I graduate?

Nothing changes automatically. The card remains yours with the same terms and benefits. Many graduates keep the card long-term because it has no annual fee and provides solid value. Others might add additional cards to their wallet while keeping this one for its credit history length benefit.

Does this card help with study abroad or international travel?

The card has no foreign transaction fees, making it useful for international purchases. However, Citi's international acceptance isn't as universal as Visa or Mastercard networks. For study abroad, this card works well as a backup or for earning points on international spending, but students should also have a widely accepted card with strong international support.

Students traveling internationally should also consider travel insurance to protect against trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen circumstances that basic credit card coverage might not address.

Can I get approved if I have no credit history at all?

Many students with no credit history receive approval, though it's not guaranteed. Factors that help include steady income (even part-time), being enrolled at an accredited institution, and having a bank account relationship. If initially denied, consider waiting 3-6 months while building credit through authorized user status on a family member's account.

You can find complete details about current offers and terms on Citi's official website, which always provides the most up-to-date information about application requirements and card benefits.

The Bottom Line: Who Should Get This Card?

Perfect For:

• College students seeking their first credit card who want immediate value rather than just credit building
• Students with modest spending who make frequent small purchases that benefit from point rounding
• Budget-conscious students who need a no-annual-fee card but want real rewards
• Students planning future travel who want to build a points balance for post-graduation adventures
• Anyone building credit who values simplicity over complex earning structures

Skip If:

• You spend heavily in non-bonus categories where flat-rate cash back cards might provide better value
• You already have established credit and qualify for premium cards with higher earning rates
• You prioritize immediate cash back over points with transfer flexibility
• You want extensive travel benefits like airport lounge access or travel insurance (this isn't a travel card)

Our Recommendation

The Citi Rewards+ Student Card succeeds because it solves a real problem: providing genuine value to students without overwhelming complexity or punitive fees. The point rounding feature alone makes it unique in the student card space, while the achievable welcome bonus and useful bonus categories provide immediate and ongoing value.

For students who want to build credit while earning rewards on everyday spending, this card delivers on both fronts. It's forgiving enough for credit newcomers while sophisticated enough to provide lasting value as spending and financial knowledge grow.

Most importantly, it treats students like valued customers rather than risky prospects, offering the same core benefits available to experienced cardholders while accommodating the unique needs and constraints of college life. As students advance in their credit journey, our guide to the best credit card travel perks can help them understand what additional benefits to look for in future cards.

Our Rating: 4.5/5 - An excellent choice for students who want their first credit card to provide immediate value while building long-term credit health.

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